WILLIAM PAYNE
Llwyngwril,Gwynedd
Summary
MEng Aerospace Engineering graduate (2:1) with a core focus on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and thermal simulation. Combines advanced technical proficiency in Ansys Fluent and VOF phase-tracking with a rigorous approach to numerical debugging and experimental validation, demonstrated through a Master's thesis on cryogenic hydrogen storage. Brings extensive operational resilience from high-pressure commercial management, ready to apply a first-principles engineering mindset to rapid iteration and vehicle performance cycles.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
F&B Assistant
Sunbeach Holiday Park
Llwyngwril, Gwynedd
2018.01 - 2026.03
- Directed daily bar operations and led a small front-of-house team during peak holiday seasons, frequently working 60+ hour weeks while maintaining high service standards.
- Acted as designated site keyholder, responsible for building security, opening/ closing procedures, and end-of-day cash handling.
- Solving problems quickly in fast-paced, high-pressure situations.
- Constantly striving for performance, achieving personal sales figures over 100% higher than the top-performing team member in peak months.
Education
MEng - Aerospace Engineering
University of Nottingham
Nottingham 2021.09 - 2025.07
Skills
- CFD Software: Ansys Fluent
- CAD Software: CATIA V5
- Coding Software: MATLAB
- Multiphase Flow: Volume of Fluid (VOF)
- Numerical Validation
- Data Analysis
- Finite Element Analysis: Abaqus
- Thermal Analysis
Websites
ADVANCED ENGINEERING PROJECTS
Master's Research: CFD Simulation of Cryogenic Hydrogen Storage
- Built a 2D axisymmetric model in Ansys Fluent to simulate liquid hydrogen boil-off, applying Volume of Fluid (VOF) phase tracking and the Lee evaporation-condensation model.
- Troubleshot severe solver instabilities caused by a 70:1 density ratio, and resolved initial pressure anomalies by adjusting the density formulation to account for liquid compressibility.
- Proved numerical accuracy through mesh independence testing and timestep optimisation, successfully validating the final model against physical NASA MHTB data.
Advanced Group Design Project 2: Space Debris Removal CubeSat
- Acted as technical lead for the Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS), propulsion, and the core de-orbit strategy.
- Built MATLAB models to calculate Hohmann transfer orbits, rotational forces, and propulsion sizing for collision avoidance.
- Designed a compliant 6U CubeSat architecture capable of intercepting and de-orbiting up to four pieces of space debris.
Advanced Group Design Project 1: Powered Ground Effect Vehicle (GEV)
- Led the mechanical design, modelling, material selection, and physical assembly of the fuselage utilising CATIA V5.
- Delivered a working prototype that achieved 40 seconds of sustained flight in the ground effect region.
- Ranked in the top 17% of the university cohort, placing as one of only five groups to achieve successful sustained flight.
LANGUAGES
English
Native
Welsh
Upper intermediate
INTERESTS
Formula 1, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Travelling, Go-Karting, Data Modelling
Timeline
MEng - Aerospace Engineering
University of Nottingham
2021.09 - 2025.07
F&B Assistant
Sunbeach Holiday Park
2018.01 - 2026.03